ST. GEORGE ‘S, Grenada -- Point Salines International Airport authorities announced that travelers are forewarned that cigarette lighters will be on the list of prohibited items list upon entry to the airport’s secured areas beginning Thursday, April 14, 2005.

In a public announcement, the Grenada Airport Authority (GAA) said that the United States of America Transportation Security Administration, having carefully evaluated the security threat and congressional intent as well as assessing the potential confusion to passengers if different rules apply for different lighters, determined that passengers should be prohibited from carrying any lighter from the moment they enter the secured areas of the airport.

GAA said: “Since lighters are classified as hazardous, they are prohibited from being stowed in checked baggage. The GAA, in recognition of the impact on US and Foreign air carriers operating from its destination into the United States of America, will comply with and maintain the United States Standards by banning all lighters from the sterile area of Point Salines International Airport. This includes, for example, butane, absorbed fuel (-type), electric/battery power and novelty lighters."

Airport officials said that the ban is a security measure intended to reduce security vulnerabilities and ensure the execution of this security requirement and not intended to offend smokers.

“While the authority realizes it will take time for the public to adjust to this new policy, it strongly urges passengers to inspect all baggage including carry-on for lighters and other prohibited items before coming to the airport,” GAA said.

Besides updating its prohibited list the airport’s management said that it will also adopt a zero tolerance approach to any vehicle illegally parked on the terminal roadways. “This measure came in the wake of the terrorist attack in the US on September 11, 2001 and Sections 21 (1) of the Airports Authority Regulation Act, chapter 12 of volume 8 makes provision for the authorized officer to place, erect or display or causes to be placed, erected or displayed the airport traffic signs necessary for the proper control and direction of vehicular traffic on the airport,” GAA explained.

The airport authority added that all traffic signs placed, erected or displayed at Airport shall be deemed for the purpose of this regulation to have been placed, erected or displayed in accordance. Any person who operates or causes to be operated a motor vehicle on PSIA’S roadway contrary to any direction of a traffic sign placed, erected or displayed at the airport shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction, according to GAA.

Source: By Linda Straker

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